Roo’s out of this world

England coach Fabio Capello believes the Manchester United star is destined to become the greatest player on the planet.[>

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The Italian threw his arms in the air and blew out his cheeks in excitement when he was asked just how good 22-year-old Rooney could become.[>

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“It is possible for him to become so much better, perhaps the best,” said Capello after Rooney’s two goals in the 5-1 World Cup victory over Kazakhstan at Wembley on Saturday.[>

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“He can achieve anything he wants to. He knows he has to work hard every day and he enjoys that.[>

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“When I first met him I told him that technically he had no problem, but I said that when he arrived in front of the goal not to shoot so quickly.[>

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“He has to be more patient and understand what is happening. He is so young, like Theo Walcott, and they are going to be important for the future of the England team.[>

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“Rooney is vital to England and just as important to Manchester United.”[>

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This is praise indeed from a man who is known not to get too close to his players.[>

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Rooney is the player Capello talks about most because he knows that if England are to win something under his control then Rooney must keep fit and in form.[>

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There is no question he has improved this season with his movement and work rate phenomenal.[>

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Rooney did get frustrated towards the end of the first half – because he cares.[>

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He has a passion about him that is infectious and he is the ultimate team player, sprinkled with stardust.[>

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Capello added: “This is a fantastic time for him, scoring goals and playing so well. His movement and work is incredible.[>

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“He is an example for the other players. How he wins the ball back, uses it and he does everything on the pitch.”[>

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It was strange to see Rooney wide on the left in a 4-3-3 formation during the first half when Capello had told him his best position was just behind the centre-forward.[>

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“You must also ask Manchester United about this,” Capello said quickly.[>

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“They play him there and he scored against Bolton this season while on the left.[>

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“I know Rooney performs so well just behind the striker and Heskey is a good partner for him. Defenders go for Heskey and that allows Rooney a little more freedom.”[>

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It was significant that when Capello changed to 4-4-2 in the second half, with midfield anchor Gareth Barry sacrificed for winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, Rooney was more comfortable and dangerous.[>

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This was not his best game for his country, yet he scored twice and could have had a hat-trick.[>

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Like Michael Owen, he realises how important Heskey is to the balance of the attack.[>

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Capello said: “Heskey is not a lucky player in front of goal although his worth to the team is higher than goals.[>

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“The first chance he had stayed out off the goalkeeper’s legs and then his header just hit the goalkeeper.[>

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“Heskey’s movement and work is just as important for us and Rooney is better when he plays in the centre.[>

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“Even though he can also perform on the right, left and in the middle, his best position and where he is most effective is with Heskey. Rooney is an extraordinary player.”[>

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Rooney, surely then, must start in his favourite and best position in Belarus on Wednesday night.[>

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“I have time to think about the team,” said Capello. “I’d like to know whether John Terry will be fit.”[>

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At half-time on Saturday, when it was 0-0, Capello told his players to be patient and that goals would come. They did, from Rooney (two), Rio Ferdinand, an own-goal and sub Jermain Defoe.[>

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It was a strange England performance. They didn’t play well, or badly, and there can be no criticism because of the size of the victory. It is also nine points from three qualifying games.[>

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The partnership between Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, however, continues to concern.[>

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Once again they didn’t gel and Gerrard didn’t play with his usual drive and passion. He looked on the edge of the game.[>

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Capello used 4-3-3 in the first half to accommodate them both and said: “The criticism of them is too strong.[>

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“They have to play together automatically and not worry. For the first six minutes of the second half I didn’t see them synchronising but it came.[>

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“In the first half Gerrard played in his club position and then changed it when I switched the formation.[>

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“Wright-Phillips came on to alter the shape of the team and we went to 4-4-2.”[>

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That is when Gerrard went into his shell. It was almost as if he was resigned to the fact that Lampard would play further forward and he must curb his natural instinct to attack.[>

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The coach insists they can be effective as a pair and wants them in his side. It will be a surprise if England don’t use 4-4-2 in Belarus, but can they afford to go in without a holding midfield player?[>

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“Belarus will not be easy,” added Capello. “I have watched them play three times and they are dangerous. I have time to decide what we do and who plays.”[>

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We know the first name on his list will be Rooney. Capello rates him as one of the most outstanding talents he has worked with.[>

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Capello has coached some of the greatest players of the last 20 years and for him to bracket Rooney with them is a huge boost for the United forward.[>

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England fly to Belarus tomorrow for Wednesday night’s next qualifier and Rooney can’t wait for it to start.[>

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Such is his confidence, he expects to play well. Expects to score. Most significantly, he expects to win.[>